New Zealand has a reputation as a country prepared to stand up for what it believes in – 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of our country’s stand against nuclear power, a stance which made ripples around the globe and put a serious dent in our international relations. Are we still a country prepared to stand up for our values or is political peacemaking our priority?

Long-standing allies, including the UK and US, are wrestling an uprising of discontent and hate. After decades of painstaking progress towards equity, acceptance and awareness, high profile politicians and powerbrokers are now publicly expressing homophobic, racist and sexist sentiments. Climate change denial has become increasingly mainstream and the US has withdrawn from the Paris climate accord. Relationships with our allies have also driven our contentious deployment of troops to Afghanistan.

Does NZ still want to maintain its position as a political ally to these countries – and, by tacit agreement, to these views and values? Or are we prepared to make a stand? With our own national elections just around the corner, what does this mean for our domestic and foreign policy?

Smart Talk

Panellist update: Jim Bolger is no longer able to join us on the LATE: Allied Values panel.

Entertainment

Donald Trump, the man of the hour, has had a hard life: he’s never fitted in. His dad hates him, he’s never had friends, and he’s in a minority group (the top 1%).

After taking control of America, he digs deep and realises it’s time to take control of his own life. In his 71st year, he will finally ignore his parent’s expectations and achieve his childhood dreams.

About Alexander Sparrow

Alexander is an award-winning writer-performer from Wellington. His shows include ENIGMA, de Sade, A Collection of Noises, DJ Trump, and The President. Alexander is also a regular performer on Prime TV’s Back Benches.